Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien has welcomed news that work will start on the long-overdue Tinana Overtaking Lane project next week (Monday 16 November), after the Labor State Government dragged its heels on the fully Commonwealth-funded project.
 
“The Coalition Government announced it would fully fund the $13.3 million Tinana overtaking lanes project in January 2018, and I am pleased the State Department of Transport and Main Roads will now finally be able to get on with the job after a lengthy delay,” Mr O’Brien said.
 
“The new northbound and southbound dual overtaking lanes will allow drivers to overtake slow-moving vehicles safely, improving traffic flow, and a wire rope safety barrier system will also be installed between the overtaking lanes to reduce the chance of head-on collisions.
 
“Just like the Bells Bridge intersection, these are significant safety upgrades which were stalled under the Queensland Labor Government, and should have been completed by now.”
 
The Labor State Government had initially indicated in 2018 that construction would start late that year – leaving the project at least two years behind schedule.
 
“The works involve the construction of north and southbound overtaking lanes along the Bruce Highway between the Tinana Interchange and Central Road, and realigning the northbound entry and southbound exit ramps at Iindah Road,” he said.
 
“The Department of Transport and Main Roads indicated works are expected to take about 10 months to complete, weather permitting, and I hope this timeframe will be met.
 
“Road safety is a top priority for me and the Morrison Government, and these overtaking lanes will not only improve the speed and efficiency of the highway but increase safety for all motorists.”